On October 4th Congressman Delaney attended the Silver Star Award Ceremony for Cumberland World War II veteran Irvin W. “Butch” Johnson.
Coverage from the Cumberland Times-News:
After 70 years, World War II Veteran Irvin “Butch” Johnson, 91, received the Silver Star Medal he earned for gallantry in action against the enemy.
Johnson on Sunday was also presented a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and numerous citations during a ceremony at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
“We are here to fulfill a promise made a very long time ago to a young man, who had just suffered serious injuries and was laying in a bed in a hospital in Germany,” said Congressman John Delaney, who presented him with a citation for the Silver Star and a U.S. flag that was flown over the capitol in July.
Johnson was wounded in action in Germany in February of 1945 and following that was was shipped back to Paris.
Johnson lost his legs due to complications from injuries he suffered in combat, according to Bill Emmer, a retired lieutenant colonel from the West Virginia Air National Guard.
He was recuperating in an Army hospital when an officer came to his bedside and pinned the Silver Star medal to his pajamas. The award was never presented — until now.
“Fulfilling promise made is something very important in our country — it speaks to trust, it speaks to loyalty, it speaks to fidelity and in particular it speaks to thanks of a grateful nation for sacrifices that were made,” said Delaney.